2015 NFL Season Preview

AFC North

Aug 29, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) talks with quarterback Michael Vick (2) (left) and wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5) narrowly edged the Cincinnati Bengals (10-5-1) for the AFC North title in 2014.

The Steelers will be without the versatile Le’Veon Bell for the first two games and Martavis Bryant for the first four games, both due to suspension.

Last year, the Steelers had one of their best offensive teams in years.

Once those guys come back, Big Ben and crew will get on track.

Their defense took a hit with the retirement of Troy Polamalu, but second year linebacker Ryan Shazier will hoist the reigns and look to build on the Steelers defense that has been good for decades.

The Bengals keep having the highest expectation of any team in the AFC North.

Andy Dalton will have to improve by actually making the playoffs and winning a playoff game.

A good start to do that would be get the ball to A.J. Green or hand it off to rookie standout Jeremy Hill.

The Baltimore Ravens had a 10-6 record last year, earning a AFC Wild Card berth, where they beat the division foe Steelers, before losing a nail biter to the Indianapolis Colts.

This will be Steve Smith’s last go around.

It looks like Justin Forsett has finally found his home after jumping around as the backup to many teams.

The aging defense will have to show us some more magic in order the compete for the division crown.

Finally, the Browns.  With Josh McCown under center, a running back by committee, and a wide receiver who won’t even suit up (Josh Gordon), it will be an uphill climb for the Browns this year.

The defense have held their own over the past couple years and will need to be the focal point this year.

And there’s always Johnny Football, I mean Johnny Manziel as of late.

Maybe he will take over the quarterback back and show us something amazing like he did at Texas A & M.

With a division filled with great defenses, I see the Steelers, having the most prolific offense, claiming another AFC North Title.

Next: AFC South